Bowlus
EPA ID: MN1490009 · 280 people served · 1 ZIP code
Despite the 2 historical violations in its record, Bowlus has cleared every one and now meets EPA standards serving 280 residents.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Bowlus Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade B
Service Area Demographics
The Bowlus serves a community with a median household income of $87,500 and an estimated 1,355 residents across its service area. Approximately 69% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Bowlus's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 1% of homes in Morrison County, Minnesota rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Bowlus compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Chlorine residual was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Minnesota
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Bowlus (EPA ID: MN1490009) is a community water system in Minnesota that serves approximately 280 people from groundwater sources.
This system serves ZIP code 56314 in Bowlus.
Average Home Safety Score: B (82/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 1 | Yes |
Health Risk Details
Chlorine (Residual Disinfectant) (EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level))
Irritation & DBP formation at high levels; protective at normal treatment levels At-risk groups: people with asthma or chemical sensitivities, kidney dialysis patients (water must be dechlorinated).
Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF media filter, carbon block filter. Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56314 | 0.001 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
- 56314 — Bowlus
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Bowlus (MN1490009) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowlus water safe to drink?
Bowlus has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Bowlus serve?
Bowlus serves approximately 280 people across 1 ZIP code in Minnesota.
Where does Bowlus get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Contact Your Water Utility
Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.
Contact information from Bowlus Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Bowlus (EPA ID: MN1490009) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.